About Kashmir

The Happy Valley, Super Switzerland of Asia, Mughal Emperor's dream garden and Emerald amongst the white pearls of the Himalaya are only a few of the many appellations given to the valley of Kashmir, over the countries. The Mughal king Kashmir Houseboats, Kashmir Travel GuideJahangir, moved to such an ecstasy by the beauty of Kashmir exclaimed, "if there is a Paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here". He was doubtlessly, enthralled by the valley's lust greenery, its abundance of flowers and fruits, its shimmering springs and translucent lakes. Unlike the other Himalayan regions, Kashmir has been traveler's paradise and holiday resort for a long time, probably one of the oldest on the earth.

Himachal is situated in the heart of western himalayas. The state is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir in the North, and Uttar Pradesh in the South-East. Haryana is in the South and Punjab is in the West. Himachal is located between 30"22' and 30"12' north latitude and between 75"47' and 79"4' east longitude. It is a mountainous state with altitudes ranging from 350 to 7000 meters (1050 ft. to 21000 ft.) above the sea level.

Nestling in the lap of the dazzling snow-capped Himalayas, the Kashmir valley is undoubtedly a jewel in India's crown. An inspiration for so much art, music and poetry, Kashmir is also a honey-mooner's paradise, a nature lover's wonderland and a shopper's dream come true. Over the years, Kashmir has come to love and looks after its tourists, fulfilling their every whim. Tourists are everywhere, soaking up all that Kashmir has to offer - the walks, the pony treks, the cable car rides over Gulmarg resort, the Shikara"rides at sunset on the Dal Lake. And once you have visited Kashmir, you will agree that what began as a dream, lives on as an unforgettable experience.

Since, 1st September, 1972 onwards, there had been no change in the administrative structure of Himachal Pradesh. Presently, there are 12 districts, 52 Sub-divisions, 75 tehsils and 34 Sub-tehsils in Himachal Pradesh.